Senior People Professional – Level 7

Facilitation of Assessment

DSW has always had a ‘digital by default’ approach to end-point assessment; this allows us to provide greater flexibility for all stakeholders while reducing fees and our carbon footprint.

• Interviews and presentations are conducted using web conferencing platforms and we’re flexible enough to use a platform of the employer’s choosing when required.
• Written exams, MCQs and Case Studies are carried out online using an invigilated assessment platform
• Portfolios and Projects are submitted to DSW in digital format for assessment
• Our assessments are also administered using an online platform, epaPRO, which provides training providers with access to results, reports and dashboards.

This is all supported by named account managers and operations contacts who are here to support you at each step of the EPA journey.

Assessment Methods

Professional Discussion Underpinned by Portfolio of Evidence    

• The Portfolio is gathered during the on-programme period and submitted at gateway
• A showcase, displaying the best work-based examples of how the apprentice has demonstrated the learning outcomes
• The duration of the professional discussion will be 120 minutes (+10%)  
• Will consist of a minimum of 10 discussion points

Project Proposal, Presentation and Questioning

• Summary of the project proposal approved at gateway.
• 12 weeks to complete the written report and presentation.
• The report must be 6,300 – 7,700 words.
• The presentation is based on the project proposal.  
• The presentation and questioning will last a maximum of 60 minutes.
• The questioning session will consist of a minimum of 8 questions.

For more details, visit the IfATE website.

Grading

Grading the Project Proposal, Presentation and Questioning

The project proposal report will be graded holistically alongside the presentation and questioning. 

In order to pass the assessment, the apprentice must fully meet all the pass criteria allocated to the assessment method through a combination of the report, presentation and questioning. 

To achieve a distinction, in addition to meeting all the pass criteria, the apprentice must fully meet all the distinction criteria allocated to the assessment method. 

Grading the Professional Discussion Underpinned by a Portfolio of Evidence

To pass this assessment method, the apprentice must meet all the pass criteria allocated to the assessment method.

To achieve a distinction, in addition to meeting all the pass criteria, the apprentice must meet all the distinction criteria allocated to the assessment method.

Overall Grade

There are three grades available – fail, pass and distinction.

To achieve a pass, the apprentice must pass both assessment methods.

To achieve a distinction, the apprentice must achieve a distinction in both assessment methods.

Benefits and Support

DSW is a leading EPAO trusted by some of the UK’s largest employers and apprenticeship training providers to assess apprentices across a portfolio of more than 35 standards.

We combine first-class customer support, leading assessment technology and assessment expertise to deliver an EPA experience which our clients tell us is unequalled.

Benefits include:

• Assessor allocated ahead of gateway to guarantee availability and fast turnaround
• Planning meeting scheduled within 1 working day of Gateway
• Results issued within 5 working days
• Competitive pricing, reduced resit fees and no registration fees
• Dedicated account manager and operations contact
• Quality-assured assessors with extensive sector and assessment experience
• Truly collaborative, partnership approach and dedicated DSW human touch support team
• Delivery of a great learner experience with flexibility to accommodate varied learner environments
• Support materials – Guides, toolkits, webinars and use of digital platforms make EPA efficient and easy
• Engaged with other EPAOs and sector bodies to lead the standardisation of assessment methods and raise professional standards